CHICAGO — Boeing Co. says it delivered 601 planes last year, putting it on track to beat European rival Airbus as the top plane maker for the year.
Airbus has beaten Boeing in deliveries in recent years, but Boeing is now cranking out its new 787 and a revamped 747 after delays for both aircraft.
Boeing also says it booked orders for 1,203 commercial jets. It was helped by strong demand for its revamped 737, called the Max. Boeing is still making the current version of the plane and aims to begin delivering the Max in 2017.
Airbus has not reported full-year orders and deliveries yet. Through November, it had booked orders for 585 planes and delivered 516.
Boeing shares rose 76 cents to $77.83 in afternoon trading.